6 February, 2008 - The Agency is to review its advice on eating fish in relation to the sustainability of some types of fish.
The review reflects growing concern about the sustainability of fish stocks and the wider environmental impact of fishing and fish farming. It also reflects the FSA's commitment to take sustainable development into account in all of its activities and policy decisions.
The Agency's current nutritional advice remains that consumers should be eating more fish and should be aiming to eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily. There may be low levels of pollutants in oily fish that can build up in our bodies, so pregnant and breastfeeding women, girls and women who one day may have a baby should not eat more than two portions of oily fish a week. Others can eat up to four portions a week.
Rosemary Hignett, Head of the FSA's Nutrition Division said: 'We are aware that fish consumption and sustainability is a key issue for many consumers and current advice can be confusing. We are going to involve interested stakeholders, including other Government departments, consumer and health groups, environmental organisations, as well as representatives of the fishing and food industries.'
The review will seek input from stakeholders, and include a thorough, wide-ranging consultation process.
The Agency is aiming to publish the findings of the review before the end of 2008.